The Jomonshiki culture (Neolithic) flourished in the northern half of the Main Island of Japan (Earlier period, before 200 B.C.; Middle period, 200 B.C.-200 A.D.; Later period, 200 A.D.-600 A.D. and even later). In the southern half of the Main Island and Kyushu there was a somewhat different Neolithic culture, represented by scattered finds dating before 200 B.C.
This was followed by the Yayoishiki culture (200 B.C.-200 A.D.), which was essentially Neolithic and had its nearest relationships with Korea, from which there were occasional imports of bronze implements. Last of all was the Yamato culture (200 A.D.-600 A.D.), of Korean origin, which introduced iron implements and megalithic burials and which spread gradually through the whole of the Main Island.